Saturday, September 26, 2009

PALIN SCORES, MEDIA FOULS OUT

by John Ziegler MEDIA MATTERSBIGGOVERNMENT.COMTHURSDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 09

You would think at this point it would be impossible for anyone (especially me) to be stunned or outraged by anything the news media tries to pull when it comes to Sarah Palin. After all, once you have been exposed to a year-long brutal beating, one tends to become numb to a simple low blow. However, the news coverage of her Hong Kong speech still managed to spark the senses on several levels.

First, it must be noted that it is rather incredible that this speech got as much play as it did. Remember, this is a private citizen from Alaska who was a “failed” vice-presidential candidate, who has given no official indication she is ever going to run for anything ever again. The speech was a private affair in a foreign country and contained no real “news” whatsoever. The news media was barred and were forced to cobble together bits and pieces of what was said from the paying customers who attended. And yet, nearly every major publication gave the event heavy play and links to FOUR of those articles were displayed prominently on the Drudge Report all day long.

This is simply extraordinary, a true testament to Palin’s enduring star power and just how much the media still desperately wants/needs their favorite target to stick around. It is also a vindication of her much maligned post-resignation strategy.

The initial element that shocked me about the coverage of this Hong Kong event (other than its magnitude) was that, at first glance, the reporting left a remarkably positive impression of the speech. The New York Times in its second paragraph reluctantly admitted that those in attendance thought, “she was articulate, well-prepared and even compelling.” You can almost see the Times reporter and editors cringing at having to allow the Old Grey Lady to be soiled by such blasphemy to the modern liberal as the acknowledgement that Palin is not a complete dunce.

The AFP service’s first quote in their article was, “She was brilliant,” though they added the caveat that this assessment came from a delegate who requested their anonymity (presumably to protect the ability to make future dinner reservations in New York or Los Angeles). Meanwhile, Bloomberg, after quoting someone who left the speech early as calling it “boring,” at least allowed the head of the sponsoring group to call it “a great speech.”

But a closer look at the coverage reveals that Palin Derangement Syndrome is still a robust strain within the news media and that the rules for reporting on her are completely different than anyone else in public life.

The most egregious example of this probably came from Time magazine whose account claimed she ducked questions (when she did indeed take them), was laced with only disparaging comments form those in attendance, and which had a top ten list of Palin “spoofs” embedded right in the middle of the web version. But an item in both the New York Times and Associated Press accounts of the address deserves an extra special critique.

In a classic example of the grossly distorted prism through which the Times sees all events (especially those involving Palin), their writer arbitrarily decided, with zero evidence, that the purpose of the speech was to “broaden her foreign policy credentials” for a 2012 presidential run. This then opened the door for the “reporter” to make a pronouncement that should set a new definition for the word gratuitous and a fresh standard for shoddy journalism.

The Times actually deemed it appropriate to publish: “Mrs. Palin was faulted during the campaign last year for her lack of foreign policy experience and expertise. As the governor of Alaska, she said in her own defense, she had a unique insight because ‘you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska’ — a remark that was widely lampooned.”

This is simply a stunning statement coming from the newspaper of “record.” Palin “was faulted for her lack of foreign policy experience and expertise”? By whom? For what reason? The reality is that Palin’s foreign policy experience, while meager, was still greater than our current President whose nonexistent credentials (little more than a mysterious college trip to Pakistan) were never remotely questioned by the media, and a rudimentary examination of the Vice-Presidential debate reveals that it was Joe Biden who made all the significant foreign policy blunders.

But even that pales in comparison with to the “see Russia” gem.

First, the now infamous “Russia” statement was clearly made as an aside in Palin’s interview with Charlie Gibson. Palin knew that the vast majority of American’s had no idea of the geographical proximity of Russia to Alaska (which, until after the Civil War, was actually part of Russia) and said it in a “gee, isn’t this an interesting fact?” sort of way.

Second, what she said was 100% factually accurate and relevant. As for the “lampooning” of the remark, that was done inaccurately by a comedy show with an obvious agenda. The Times should be embarrassed (if that’s still possible) even mentioning the episode in this context and to not at least point out the full context, as I just did, is flat out Media Malpractice.

As pathetic as the Times reporting was, the Associated Press was downright juvenile in taking the exact same page out of the anti-Palin playbook. They wrote, “she was ridiculed during the campaign after contending her state’s proximity to Russia gave her foreign policy experience. “You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska,” she said.

However, amazingly, the AP hardly stopped there. They ended their piece of trash with this beauty: “Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, said Tuesday the group knew little about Palin’s speech. ‘We’re curious as to what she’s willing to say in private but not in public,’ Sevugan said. ‘Are there other countries that she can see from her window that she doesn’t want us to know about?’”

This is truly astonishing. Forgetting that the DNC feels like it needs to use old, factually empty, Saturday Night Live skits to ridicule a private citizen, how absurd is it that the Associated Press has no problem ending their “report” on Palin’s speech with a blatantly inaccurate quote from a highly partisan source without even at least a mention that Palin never came close to saying anything about seeing other countries from her “window.”

This issue is a particular pet peeve of mine. After the election I paid a lot of money for a controversial Zogby poll which exposed that 87% of Obama voters wrongly thought that Sarah Palin had said she could she Russia from her “house” when it was actually Tina Fey who had said that on SNL. Then, after I appeared on The View, I was interviewed on Barbara Walters’ radio show and, incredibly, she revealed that even she was under the delusion that Sarah Palin had actually said that. Unfortunately, even some “conservative” commentators have bought at least partially into this myth.

In the coverage of Palin’s speech we see some of the many spoiled fruits of both the insidious nature of the news media and of conservatives being either unwilling or simply unable to win even the easiest of battles. If a year later we still can’t correct the record about a simple factual statement Sarah Palin made about the geographic location of her home state, how the hell can the truth win any argument?!

While it’s obviously the media’s fault that this lie has become such a large part of the Palin mythology, I have been disappointed with the timid response of conservatives on this issue and others like it. My guess is that it is because we can’t believe that people really believe this crap (trust me, the evidence is overwhelming that they do) and that , with only occasional access to talk radio and Fox News, it is just too hard to correct so we move on to other more pressing matters.

While this view is understandable, it is also remarkably shortsighted. Much like Obama was elected largely because Republicanism was killed by a series of unreputed legends over the previous ten years (Clinton was impeached for sex, Bush stole Florida, Bush lied about WMD in Iraq, Bush caused Katrina, Republicans caused the economic meltdown, etc.), the same death by a thousand lies could befall Palin.

Regardless of your view of her, our side just doesn’t have nearly enough talent to allow anyone like her to be needlessly taken out. On the bright side, the outrageous coverage of Palin’s first major post resignation speech proves that the news media is convinced that they haven’t yet finished the job.

Sarah Palin is the first politician I have grown to love due to her enemies.She loves Guns, babies, Jesus and America and she drives those that don't crazy!!!I am a Democrat and voted for McCain in the hopes he would beat President Harrison in the shortest term presidency and allow Palin to become President.Palin reeks of integrity the way Ron Paul does.

Palin, I'm not sure what to think about her as a potential successful politician.I like her and as John says we are woefully short on conservative representation at the momentbut, can she overcome the image the media has given her and they will continue to apply the pressure.Can she overcome in the ballot booth with or without the Black Panthers patrolling the corridors.As I mentioned I like everything about her professionally speaking as well as personally but some doubtremains as I believe it does elsewhere in the Republican sphere.

Don't worry John, as long as she continues to bring "it", speaks truth to power, and keeps her smart wit and good looks, she will have so much viable content in the public canon that the "Russia from my house" comment will slowly abate. Reagan endured it with flying colors, so can Palin.

It's becoming so simple to find the right path through the political mine-field--If the Democrats are in favor, I'm against it. If the news media says it, I doubt it. If a politician says its critically important, I know it's pork.

Increasingly, the irrelevance of the liberal media becomes more obvious, at least to people who actually can think without a government grant or handout. I'll stick with the Giles/O'Keefes/Breitbarts of the world vs anyone from MSM on any given day. Perhaps we just say what needs to be said..."You Lie!"

What they're scared about in the 2010 election cycle, let alone 2012, is Palin's celebrity factor, and her ability to raise money for conservative candidates, with the Hong Kong speech and its reaction just serving to highlight her drawing power.

By this time next year, if you check the big media outlets, you're going to think that Sarah Palin is running for every single House, Senate, gubernatorial, state legislative and administrative seat in the country, because the Democrats and the media will be shreaking at the top of their lungs about the threat Palin (and her ilk) pose to the nation.

You have nailed it on the head! The FACT remains, which has yet to be fully recognized, that the Left controls the media, universities, the entertainment industry, the schools, and now the entire government. We wonder why conservatism and the republican party is faltering and falling behind the tide of change that has taken an almost complete grip of history and the American experience. Yes, those Americans that still know the truth and hold to traditional American values must not only step forward and reclaim this country at the ballot box but better get back the cultural institutions that define who we are and shape who we are in the future. Otherwise, all is lost. We will not win. This is not rocket science. Do you really think all that has happened in the last year has been a coincidence, an accident? So, keep doing what your doing Big Hollywood..but you better start thinking about growing beyond a little web site if you really think you will be able to slay the monster that we all helped create in one way or another and restore the republic.

I find Sarah Palin to be one of the ONLY straight talking conservatives out there. Strangely the left's obsession with her works to her favor. If they were to ignore her she would not have the traction she continues to benefit from. I hated the fact that the republicans chose McLame despite the fact I am an Arizonan. I only lit up once he made the decision to pick Sarah. The only decision he made that I agreed with. She represents what I think all politicians should be, concerned activist citizens who get fed up with all the BS we are forced to eat. SP is the GENUINE ARTICLE. When you speak from your heart and your convictions are in the right place, you do not need a teleprompter and you never need worry about having told one lie to one group and have it come back to haunt you at a later date. Keep going Sarah, James, Andrew, and especially Hannah, you are the base of the new republican party. Out with all the old and in with the new. If we can just survive the woodstock crowd the nation will shine again.

Sarah Palin is a true philosophical progeny of Ronald Reagan. She has walked the walk. What peeked my attention, before her now fabled run as Vice President, was her challenge to corrupt authority within her own political party. A great deal I have learned since then only makes me more vociferous in my support for the soon to be Madame President. She is not only guine in her beliefs but more importantly she is not part of the Yale/Harvard bubble mentality that has gotten us into so much trouble.

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Ziegler's premise that distortions and lies will become truth if unanswered. It's been driving me crazy for years. It's what bothered me about Bush's reluctance to take on his critics -- either directly or through surrogates. How many times did we hear that Bush lied about WMDs without a retort from the White House?

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sarah Palin and agree that we should vigorously point out the truth whenever the press or pundits attack her intelligence. It's an uphill battle though.

In true hockey parlance befitting the self bestowed 'hockey mom' sobriquet. With one Tweet she literally derailedObamacare, and now gives a private speech halfway around the world. The minions that spring forth from the state controlled media cannot wait to find a nugget- anything- that would allow them to dance around the fire in delight.

It is, and will be, her enduring legacy to cause anguish and consternation into the ranks of the elite humanistswho know, instinctively, that a better person than they goes forth.

I do not understand why those with a problem with Palin who made comments like "she is only the governor of the least populous state in the union" did not have a problem with Dean who actually was the governor from the least populous state and one of the smallest states in the union.

In my opinion, the MSM attacks are great for Sarah. With every one, they lose credibility while she gains it. Middle Americans are slow to make judgements, but they eventually despise those who lack honor. Sarah outshines the MSM like a rose in a garbage dump. Ultimately, they are ensuring her place in the White House.

I have high hopes for Sarah Palin. She is a rock star.More in her little pinky than a boatful of dems.And they will sink themselves with their vitriol remarks. Sarah is no quitter. Everyone better put on their best shoes to keep up with her.When she decides to go, go, go, noone will be able to stop her. I laugh to myself when I think of how she stirs them up without even trying. And when she does try, watch out. I love that woman.

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About Me

A Texan who loves the truth and hates the lying, cheating, and deliberate prevarication that characterizes so much of our civic discourse these days.
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RIPOSTE, n. 1. Fencing: a quick thrust after parrying a lunge 2. a quick sharp return in speech or action; counterstroke.
- The Random House Dictionary of the English Language...........
You can contact me by sending an email to me at: leorugiens23@gmail.com